Cat Breeds

Maine Coon

One of the largest domesticated cat breeds is the Maine Coon, known for its luxurious coat and dog-like personality. 

A poised Maine Coon sits on the floor with his head held high

Cat Breeds

Maine Coon

One of the largest domesticated cat breeds is the Maine Coon, known for its luxurious coat and dog-like personality. 

A poised Maine Coon sits on the floor with his head held high

Cat Breeds

Maine Coon

One of the largest domesticated cat breeds is the Maine Coon, known for its luxurious coat and dog-like personality. 

A poised Maine Coon sits on the floor with his head held high

Cat Breeds

Maine Coon

One of the largest domesticated cat breeds is the Maine Coon, known for its luxurious coat and dog-like personality. 

A poised Maine Coon sits on the floor with his head held high

Other Names

American Longhair, Coon Cat

Other Names

American Longhair, Coon Cat

Other Names

American Longhair, Coon Cat

Recognized By

CFA, TICA, GCCF, FIFe

Recognized By

CFA, TICA, GCCF, FIFe

Recognized By

CFA, TICA, GCCF, FIFe

Country of Origin

United States (Maine)

Country of Origin

United States (Maine)

Country of Origin

United States (Maine)

Popularity in the UAE

Gaining popularity among cat enthusiasts

Popularity in the UAE

Gaining popularity among cat enthusiasts

Popularity in the UAE

Gaining popularity among cat enthusiasts

Primary Traits

Large breed, companion cat, sociable, intelligent, affectionate, playful, and adaptable

Primary Traits

Large breed, companion cat, sociable, intelligent, affectionate, playful, and adaptable

Primary Traits

Large breed, companion cat, sociable, intelligent, affectionate, playful, and adaptable

Maine Coon

Maine Coon

Maine Coon

Breed History

Maine Coons originated in Maine, a northeastern state in the US. Coon cats have adapted to the region's harsh weather conditions during winter.

The exact ancestry of this magnificent breed has yet to be discovered. Some people say that its related to the Norwegian Forest Cat and the first Maine Coons were brought to the US by Vikings. Other speculations mention that its origins are from the Angora cat breeds or that a British captain in the 19th century traveled with a lot of long-haired cats who bred with local cats.

But after some genetic studies on the Maine Coon, the breed is found to be a mix of long-haired breeds and domestic cats. They originally worked in barns and ships as rodent hunters, which were found to be effective pest control solutions. Today, the Maine Coon is one of the most popular domestic cat breeds all over the world for their personalities and majestic appearance. 

Maine Coons originated in Maine, a northeastern state in the US. Coon cats have adapted to the region's harsh weather conditions during winter.

The exact ancestry of this magnificent breed has yet to be discovered. Some people say that its related to the Norwegian Forest Cat and the first Maine Coons were brought to the US by Vikings. Other speculations mention that its origins are from the Angora cat breeds or that a British captain in the 19th century traveled with a lot of long-haired cats who bred with local cats.

But after some genetic studies on the Maine Coon, the breed is found to be a mix of long-haired breeds and domestic cats. They originally worked in barns and ships as rodent hunters, which were found to be effective pest control solutions. Today, the Maine Coon is one of the most popular domestic cat breeds all over the world for their personalities and majestic appearance. 

A majestic grey and white Maine Coon with striking green eyes
A majestic grey and white Maine Coon with striking green eyes
A majestic grey and white Maine Coon with striking green eyes
Just brought home a Maine Coon?
Just brought home a Maine Coon?
Just brought home a Maine Coon?
Just brought home a Maine Coon?

Schedule their wellness check today!

Schedule their wellness check today!

Schedule their wellness check today!

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Feline Lymphoma

Maine Coons are among the cat breeds that get affected by feline lymphoma, a type of cancer in cats that attacks various internal organs and the lymphatic system. In one study, which included 174 cats, researchers found that this cancer is more frequently seen in male cats with an average age of 9 years old. (Versteegh et al., 2023)

Fibrosarcoma

Fibrosarcoma is a type of cancer of the connective tissues. It’s aggressive and often appears in the mouth or upper lip of cats as tumors. A study done on 25 cats, including Maine Coons, with fibrosarcoma discovered that the average age of felines developing this cancer was 12 and a half years old. (Harvey et al., 2022)

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

One of the most common skin cancers in felines is SCC. It’s frequently linked to exposure to harsh sunlight and usually affects light-colored cats or those who have short coats. A study where more than 9,000 cat skin tumors were tested in the UK found that Maine Coons have lower risks of SCC compared to other breeds. (Ho et al., 2017)

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Feline Lymphoma

Maine Coons are among the cat breeds that get affected by feline lymphoma, a type of cancer in cats that attacks various internal organs and the lymphatic system. In one study, which included 174 cats, researchers found that this cancer is more frequently seen in male cats with an average age of 9 years old. (Versteegh et al., 2023)

Fibrosarcoma

Fibrosarcoma is a type of cancer of the connective tissues. It’s aggressive and often appears in the mouth or upper lip of cats as tumors. A study done on 25 cats, including Maine Coons, with fibrosarcoma discovered that the average age of felines developing this cancer was 12 and a half years old. (Harvey et al., 2022)

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

One of the most common skin cancers in felines is SCC. It’s frequently linked to exposure to harsh sunlight and usually affects light-colored cats or those who have short coats. A study where more than 9,000 cat skin tumors were tested in the UK found that Maine Coons have lower risks of SCC compared to other breeds. (Ho et al., 2017)

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Neurology

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Reproduction

Reproduction

Temperament and Common Traits

Lifespan

The average lifespan of Maine Coons is 10 to 13 years.

A healthy Coon cat may live long and happy lives. Those with genetic disorders might live up to 9 years, while cats with the best health conditions can live up to 20 years old.

A healthy Coon cat may live long and happy lives. Those with genetic disorders might live up to 9 years, while cats with the best health conditions can live up to 20 years old.

Training and Care

A Maine Coon kitten is ready to be litter trained
A Maine Coon kitten is ready to be litter trained
A Maine Coon kitten is ready to be litter trained

Trainability

Maine Coons are intelligent felines and are easy to train. They can learn how to fetch, walk on a leash, and other fun tricks, as long as positive reinforcement is used.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

Maine Coons are intelligent felines and are easy to train. They can learn how to fetch, walk on a leash, and other fun tricks, as long as positive reinforcement is used.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

Maine Coons are intelligent felines and are easy to train. They can learn how to fetch, walk on a leash, and other fun tricks, as long as positive reinforcement is used.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

Maine Coons are intelligent felines and are easy to train. They can learn how to fetch, walk on a leash, and other fun tricks, as long as positive reinforcement is used.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Maine Coons can adapt to milder, warm climates. But because they have a dense, double coat, this can make them prone to overheating. It’s advisable to monitor them, especially in extreme weather conditions. 

Precautions

Owning a Maine Coon in the UAE requires a comfortable and cool environment for them to live in, water bowls that are always filled, and regular grooming to remove dead hairs which can hinder heat regulation.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Maine Coons can adapt to milder, warm climates. But because they have a dense, double coat, this can make them prone to overheating. It’s advisable to monitor them, especially in extreme weather conditions. 

Precautions

Owning a Maine Coon in the UAE requires a comfortable and cool environment for them to live in, water bowls that are always filled, and regular grooming to remove dead hairs which can hinder heat regulation.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Maine Coons can adapt to milder, warm climates. But because they have a dense, double coat, this can make them prone to overheating. It’s advisable to monitor them, especially in extreme weather conditions. 

Precautions

Owning a Maine Coon in the UAE requires a comfortable and cool environment for them to live in, water bowls that are always filled, and regular grooming to remove dead hairs which can hinder heat regulation.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Maine Coons can adapt to milder, warm climates. But because they have a dense, double coat, this can make them prone to overheating. It’s advisable to monitor them, especially in extreme weather conditions. 

Precautions

Owning a Maine Coon in the UAE requires a comfortable and cool environment for them to live in, water bowls that are always filled, and regular grooming to remove dead hairs which can hinder heat regulation.

Diet & Nutrition

Dietary Needs

The Maine Coon has a large muscular build, requiring a high-protein diet. Their daily food intake must have high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

The Maine Coon has a large muscular build, requiring a high-protein diet. Their daily food intake must have high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

The Maine Coon has a large muscular build, requiring a high-protein diet. Their daily food intake must have high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

The Maine Coon has a large muscular build, requiring a high-protein diet. Their daily food intake must have high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

A young Maine Coon waits for his second meal of the day in the kitchen
A young Maine Coon waits for his second meal of the day in the kitchen
A young Maine Coon waits for his second meal of the day in the kitchen

Suitability as a Pet

Ideal Owners

Maine Coons can suite any type of owner, whether they have families or singles who love spending time with an interactive pet. 

Maine Coons can suite any type of owner, whether they have families or singles who love spending time with an interactive pet. 

These gentle felines are known for their patience, so they can be great companions for children. They can adapt well to any new environment, even with households that have other cats and dogs. Still, it’s important that you integrate them properly to avoid any issues.

These gentle felines are known for their patience, so they can be great companions for children. They can adapt well to any new environment, even with households that have other cats and dogs. Still, it’s important that you integrate them properly to avoid any issues.

Compatibility with Children & Pets

First-Time Owner Friendly

Having a Coon cat is a good chocie for first-time cat owners. Their intelligence allows them to be trained easily. However, potential owners must be ready to provide time for regular grooming.

Having a Coon cat is a good chocie for first-time cat owners. Their intelligence allows them to be trained easily. However, potential owners must be ready to provide time for regular grooming.

Physical Characteristics

A proud, dark coat Coon cat sits gracefully outdoors
A proud, dark coat Coon cat sits gracefully outdoors
A proud, dark coat Coon cat sits gracefully outdoors

Head

Head

Head

Maine Coons have a large and slightly squared heads with a firm jaw, a prominent muzzle, and well-defined cheekbones. These features give them a majestic appearance.

Maine Coons have a large and slightly squared heads with a firm jaw, a prominent muzzle, and well-defined cheekbones. These features give them a majestic appearance.

Eyes

Eyes

Eyes

Their eyes are large and slanted, which round out when they become alert. They usually come in various shades of gold, copper, blue, and green.

Their eyes are large and slanted, which round out when they become alert. They usually come in various shades of gold, copper, blue, and green.

Ears

Ears

Ears

Coon cat ears are very noticeable. They’re bigger than most domestic cats and are tall and pointed. The base of their ears have tufts similar to a lynx. 

Coon cat ears are very noticeable. They’re bigger than most domestic cats and are tall and pointed. The base of their ears have tufts similar to a lynx. 

Body

Body

Body

They have long, muscular bodies and a solid bone structure. Their broad chest gives them an impressive and sturdy frame.

They have long, muscular bodies and a solid bone structure. Their broad chest gives them an impressive and sturdy frame.

Limbs

Limbs

Limbs

Maine Coons have proportionate legs that are build for strength and agility. Their paws are well-tufted, a feature that evolved to help them walk on snow.

Maine Coons have proportionate legs that are build for strength and agility. Their paws are well-tufted, a feature that evolved to help them walk on snow.

Tail

Tail

Tail

Their tails are long and bushy, which is usually the same length as their bodies. These help them balance and provide warmth during cold weather.

Their tails are long and bushy, which is usually the same length as their bodies. These help them balance and provide warmth during cold weather.

Coat

Coat

Coat

Coon cats have water-resistant inner and outer coats, which are thick but are longer on some parts of their body. They can come in many colors and patterns, which adds to each cat’s uniqueness. And one of the signature features of a Maine Coon is their ruff fur around their necks similar to a lion’s mane. 

Coon cats have water-resistant inner and outer coats, which are thick but are longer on some parts of their body. They can come in many colors and patterns, which adds to each cat’s uniqueness. And one of the signature features of a Maine Coon is their ruff fur around their necks similar to a lion’s mane. 

Size

Size

Size

Males may stand proud at around 25-41 cm (10-16 inches) tall, while females are slightly smaller at 20-35 cm (8-14 inches).

Males may stand proud at around 25-41 cm (10-16 inches) tall, while females are slightly smaller at 20-35 cm (8-14 inches).

Weight

Weight

Weight

An average male Coon cat can weigh around 6-11 kg (13-25 lbs). Females, on the other hand, can be between 4-6 kg (9-14 lbs).

An average male Coon cat can weigh around 6-11 kg (13-25 lbs). Females, on the other hand, can be between 4-6 kg (9-14 lbs).

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

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